‘I learned to ride in my 60s’

Sharon Richardson tells us about life in the saddle in the latest in our occasional series on taking up a new hobby or challenge

As a young mum, Sharon Richardson would often stand on the side-lines, watching her daughter’s horse-riding lessons and wonder what it would be like to get into the saddle herself. With a busy family life, Sharon didn’t have the chance to take lessons, but held a secret ambition to one day get on a horse. Reaching her 60s, she wondered if it might now be too late. However, all that changed when a friend invited her to an event at Throstlenest Saddlery in Barnsley, West Yorkshire, aimed at adults who’d always wanted to try horse riding. “I remember watching my daughter on a horse when she was little and thinking I’d love to do that,” says Sharon. “But at the time, funds were limited so I paid for her lessons but didn’t bother for myself. I was also a bit nervous at just how big the horses were, even though I’m an animal lover and thought horse riding looked a lot of fun. “When we got to Throstlenest they put me at ease by firstly teaching me how to groom the horses, how to treat them, what they like and don’t like and how to do everything safely. “Then it was time to learn how to mount the horse. It felt so natural – I wasn’t nervous at all by that point. For the next hour we tried various manoeuvres and even went to a trot – quite something when I’d never even been on a horse before. It was totally amazing.” Sharon realised that while horse riding does require a certain technique, it came to her much easier than she’d expected. “You have to be taught properly, but it’s largely about trust – you’ve got to trust the horse and they’ll come to trust you. It was a lot to learn, but once you’ve got the knowledge there, you feel like you understand the animal and it’s just an exhilarating experience. “I realised horse riding is not just great physical exercise, it also gives you the chance to spend time outdoors, learn new skills and communicate with an animal.” Now she’s learned the basics, Sharon, who thrives on being out in nature, is planning to fulfil her dream of riding in the countryside. “The main thing I’ve taken from this experience is that it’s never too late to try something new like this. In fact, I’m amazed I left it so long to get on a horse!” To find a riding school call The British Horse Riding society on 0247 684 0509 or visit www.bhs. org.uk. At www.hoofride.co.uk you’ll find information about a scheme aimed at encouraging people to try horse riding and equestrian sports.

“I remember watching my daughter on a horse when she was little and thinking ‘I’d love to do that’ ”